Don’t be deceived
Rev.13:1-10
By Ysrael De la Cruz
Throughout history people have attempted to identify who the antichrist or “beast” is. We have heard of several possible candidates which people thought to be the antichrist spoken of in the book of Revelation. Today in our world, there are many religious people connecting events (what is going on in the world) with the events in Revelation. For example, some believe the Covid vaccine could be the mark of the beast and very soon the revelation of the antichrist will be evident in our midst. I have a lady who told me that she is waiting for the appearance of the two witnesses (Rev.11) This has created so much confusion even among Christians because of what they have been hearing. I see the need for God’s people to dig deeper into the Bible so that they don’t be led astray by false teaching. It is imperative that we examine the Scriptures to clarify any confusion or doubts we may have regarding certain doctrinal issues. I would like us to examine the so-called mark of the beast.
The Bible speaks about a mark of the beast (people who will be marked). What is this mark of the beast?

We get to read the description of the beast in chapter 13 of the book of Revelation; in fact, this chapter tells us of two beasts. Read Rev.13:1-10
The first beast comes out of sea (Lots of scholars believe that this beast will be a Gentile leader, see symbolizes people throughout the Bible.)
-10 horns = 10 powerful kings or rulers (Rev.17:12) See Daniel 7:8,24
7 heads (the dragon also had 7 heads and 10 horns Rev.12) The 7 heads are 7 dominant kingdoms upon the landscape of world history).
10 crowns =rulers’ dominions or kingdoms, rulers’ crowns.
In Daniel’s vision the kingdoms were Babylon, Persia, Greece and Rome.

This beast resembled a leopard = (conquer swiftly, rapidly) Rev.13:2
-Feet like a bear= (controls extensively) v2
-Mouth like a lion= (communicates arrogantly) v.2
The dragon gave the beast his power, throne and authority. (v.2) This beast resembles attributes of three of the four beasts Daniel saw (Dan.7:3-7)
-The beast had a fatal wound that had been healed (v.3)
-The inhabitants of the earth worship the dragon and the beast. (v.4)
“Who is like the beast and who can fight against it?”
– (v.5) Given authority for 42 months (3 ½ years)
It blasphemes against God, and his dwelling (those who dwell in heaven) (v.6)
-This beast makes war against the saints and conquers them. (v.7) (Dan.7:21)
Some Christians believe that these saints represent the church, which means the church will go or experience the tribulation. The tribulation is the time of God’s judgment on the world; why would his bride experience judgment. The Bible says that we are not destined for wrath. 1 Thes.5:9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Jesus promised that the church will never be overpower by the power of hell. Matt.16:18 The gates of hades will not prevail against it.
Rev.12:11 the church overpowers Satan by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. The church is never conquered or overpowered by Satan.
These saints in chapter 13:7 do not refer to the church, but they are tribulation saints.
These are tribulation saints. (In order for them to be saved, they must be put to death by the beast). These saints are those who came to know Jesus during the tribulation. (The two witnesses (Rev.11:3-12) spent three and a half years preaching until the beast kills them).
This beast will have dominion over the whole earth. (v.7) every tribe, and people and language and nation. People on earth will worship the beast. Except those whose names have been written in the book of life of the Lamb. (Those who embraced Jesus as Lord and Savior will not worship anyone but Him)
v. 10 If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword he must be slain.
Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.
The tribulation saints make it to the presence of God in heaven, but they must be killed to make it. They must refuse to worship the beast and in refusing, the beast will kill them. These are the ones who will complete the number of slain for the word of God. Rev.6:9-12 There is a number set of people who will be killed due to their testimony of Jesus, and they too will make it to heaven. Those saints that the beast will kill will complete the number, then God will avenge their blood pouring out his wrath on those who killed. The tribulation is called the Day of the Lord or day of vengeance of our God. Reve.19:17-21 God avenged the death of the saints. He put an end to the beast and the false prophet.
If you are a follower of Jesus; the Bible is very clear in assuring us that Christ’s church wins at the end. There is not condemnation or wrath for those who are in Christ Jesus. Whatever you read in Revelation should not cause fear to those who belong to Christ because in Christ, we are victorious. Christ’s faithful church is never overcome by Satan.

TO be continued……The 2nd Beast!